Uptake of breast screening continues to decline – from 72.5% in 2012-15 to 71.9% in 2013-16

Uptake of breast screening in Greater Glasgow and Clyde continues to decline and is the worst in Scotland. Only 67.5% of women attended their screening appointment in 2013-16 compared to 71.1% in 2007-10

Incidence of breast cancer is at its highest level for 24 years – 4,738 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015

Over the last decade the incidence rate has increased by 6%

Mary Allison, Director for Breast Cancer Now Scotland said:

“The consistent decline in Scottish women attending breast cancer screening is very worrying. It is particularly concerning that breast screening uptake is so poor across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde with just 67.5% of women attending their appointment. This is a significant drop from the 2007/10 figures.

“We need to fully understand the reasons behind the decline in breast screening uptake and much more work is needed to highlight the importance of detecting breast cancer early.

“Early detection along with swift and effective treatment is essential to improving survival. The Scottish Breast Cancer Screening Programme remains one of the most effective tools to detect breast cancer early and we would urge Scottish women to consider the benefits of attending their screening appointment.

“Cancer incidence figures confirm that more and more Scots are now being diagnosed with breast cancer - the most common cancer amongst women. We know that huge progress has been made in improving survival but almost 1,000 women a year in Scotland still die from this devastating disease.

“At Breast Cancer Now, we believe that by 2050 everyone who develops breast cancer will live, and live well – but only if we all act now.”